Assessing Roquan Smith's impact on Ravens defense
Even without quarterback Lamar Jackson, the Baltimore Ravens have managed to stay above water and qualify for the postseason, with many crediting linebacker Roquan Smith as the reason.
ESPN's Mina Kimes believes Smith is the "single biggest reason" for the Ravens' turnaround on the defensive side of the ball.
"Since trading for Roquan Smith, they allow the lowest yards per play in the NFL. That's when they don't get pressure," Kimes said. "Before they traded for him, they ranked 25th. If that's not an impact, I don't know what is."
The Ravens traded 2023 second- and fifth-round picks as well as linebacker A.J. Klein in exchange for Smith, but the move appears to be paying off.
Since acquiring the Pro Bowler on Oct. 31, the Ravens defense has transformed back into the beast we know and love. If the Ravens want to keep him around, they'll have to break out the checkbook. The 25-year-old will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2022 season and is due a hefty pay raise after making $575,000 in the final year of his rookie deal.
Named to his first Pro Bowl this season, Smith has recorded 61 tackles (six for loss), two sacks and an interception in seven games with the Ravens.
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